INDIA: BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

Bandhavgarh National Park

In 1968, Bandhavgarh, A National Park, located in the Vindhyan ranges in Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh was once the hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. Tradition goes that each Rewa king was believed to discharge at least 100 tigers. Fortunately, the Madhya Pradesh Government's intervention has bear fruits and today, Bandhavgarh National Park boasts of some 25 resident tigers pillaging in its 105 sq-km of core area. The primeval, yet majestic Bandhavgarh Fort stands on a rock face, 800 meters high, overlooking the 32 scenic hills that trappings the verdant park. The legendary white tigers, however, are no more to be seen, except for the overfed Mohan - one of the last of the species adopt by a Rewa king and whose offspring were dispersed worldwide. Wildlife Attractions: Get your cameras ready to shoot as many as you can of Bandhavgarh's 22 mammal species an about 250 bird species. Go for the so-called Tiger Show with expert guides who follow pug marks and jungle calls right upto the beast. Other fellow mates, who more than often become the master predator's diet include nilgai(blue bull), chinkara (Indian gazelle), chausingha (four-horned antelope), wild boar, sambhar (Indian stag), the muntjac (barking deer), herds of chital (spotted deer), gaur (Indian bison) and so on. The two primate species, the rhesus macaque and the Hanuman langur, act the best tiger-spotting guides in Bandhavgarh Park with their raucous calls. Remember to carry your binoculars to feast your eyes on the avian abundance at Bandhavgarh, that includes Paradise fly catchers, Golden and Black headed Orioles, Red-vented Bulbuls, Purple Sunbirds, Mynahs, Peacock, Jungle Fowl, Yellow Ioras, Blue Jays and Green Barbets.

Bandhavgarh Fort : This 14th century Fort and the adjacent hills have about 35 sandstone ancient (about 1st century B.C.) caves with Brahmi messages. As per the lores, this fort was built by the same simian architects who constructed the bridge to Lanka for Lord Shree Ram.

Kalchuri Archeological Remains: The researchers have discovered interesting Archaeological remains from Kalchuri period in Bandhavgarh and they have been constant visitors of Bandhavgarh ever since other than regular tourists.

Baghel Museum: Bandhavgarh legends has that the white tigers still rule the forest. This museum has the white tiger cub Mohan, captured by a Rajah in 1951, all stuffed and mounted.

Active Pursuits: You can attend the 3-day wildlife photography camp, held between April and June, organized by a Delhi-based outfit called Nature Safari. Seats are limited and you have to book well in advance   

Safaris:
Jeep safaris at the crack of dawn are optional. The Park Office or any hotel close to Bandhavgarh has the capability of renting a jeep for Rs. 650. You can have a jeep safari in the park between 10 am to 4 pm. You can also drive your own vehicle into the tropical forest accompanied by an authorized guide. Only 6 persons + 1 driver + 1 guide are allowed in one jeep. Elephant ride charges are - Indians: Rs. 60/Hour (Adults), Rs. 40/Hour (Child below 12 years) and Foreigners: Rs. 300 (Adults), Rs. 200 (Child). If you want to have a better look at the wildlife specimens, head for the watch tower in the park, specially suggested for viewing Gaur.


Travel Information:
 

 The little town of Tala, located near the park, provides most of the basic facilities including vegetable vendors, cigarettes shops, liquor store, a fuel pump and a small hospital with basic medical facilities. The park office is also located here near the northern gate.

 The park has four main entrances, Panpatha in the north, Tala in the east (most of the hotels are located here), Dhamokar in the south-west and Khitauli in the west. Two roads, Umaria-Rewa highway and Parasi-Katni road via Khitauli pass through the park.